ChristianBecker wrote:Yeah, but this is not "some sites". This is more like forum heaven.

I totally agree.

I know that sometimes we post threads about thanks to the mods, etc. but what do you love most about being here?

When I was at my worst during the sh*tfest I went through last year I saw a councellor who told me to immediately stop accessing the internet and social chat sites as they could be very abusive and make a bad situation much worse with "trolls" and suchlike anonomously getting their kicks.

Not only did this place keep me sane, I received so much support it was overwhelming. I dont know how I would have survived without this place and everyone here. And not just the support on the threads but private emails and pm's... and letters in the snail mail and postcards and gifts.

I am not talking just for myself either.... more importantly for me, the acts of kindness were directed at my girls who were also going through hell. It showed them that good people existed in the world (on the other side of the world too), people who cared. And while I raved and raved for months from the depths of the big black hole, never once did any of you give up on us or say "Oh for goodness sake ... enough already!"

I told my councellor about here... and you lot. He had never heard of such a thing. My oldest daughter told everyone she knew too and even though she has a supportive community amongst her friends, they were amazed too.... "That sort of thing just doesnt HAPPEN online!" It got to the stage that whenever I got blue-er or down my councellors first question would be... "Have you been on the forum this week? Then go back!"

I cant thank you enough. If I could reach through my screen and give each and everyone of you a huge hug I would.

And I watch others having woes here and watch the support THEY get. Thats my favourite thing about the forum.

That and the fact that you lot take the p*ss and make me laugh... that too. I love the laughter!

And how you are so willing to share your lives... the ups AND the downs.

Oh and the intelligence... nice to have an intelligent conversation.... and even the arguements... um heated debates... and watching the "peacemakers" move in and calm the waters while trying to organise an orderly queue for the soapbox, while an absolute fool will claim his/her rightful place on the podium, make a smart-arse comment and derail the whole thing!

You know what?I totally agree with you. What you've just said is wonderful and it's wonderful how much this forum has helped you and your kids. This is the most wonderful place on the internet. I feel the same way. We're all like a big family. I meant what I said in the welcome thread only yesterday. I may have been gone for a long while, but I came back because coming here is like coming home.

And you know what about the hugs?You can totally hug someone via the net!

I would never have known that Aussies have thong throwing contests, if it wasn't for this place.

I also had my suspicions confirmed about how vicious koalas can be ... ... AND at how many delightful nutters there are in the world ...

It also put into perspective what woes and worries I have, when I hear the events that some of YOU are forced to endure. Stuff that I don't think that I could survive, but miraculously others do.If troubles weigh you down like a tonne of cement, then you only need reminding that a flimsy weed can crack through cement as easily as a kind act can heal a hurt.

Going to my school was an education in itself. Which is not to be confused with actually getting an education (Schultz)

What I like about this site is how easy it is to moderate. It's very rare that any of us moderators have to step in and sort things out, or discipline members. I think it's because people here care about the community we have all created and are determined to keep it a good place to visit.

I've said it before - an online community is only as good as its members, and you lot are the BEST!

I love this forum too, and I always come to visit even when I don't post. It's the first place I visit when I can access the internet.It's amazing how many people there are here that I care about. There are so many intelligent people here, and loving and funny ones. I often think there must be somethink special about TP books, that only a certain kind of people can like them...